The NHL has announced that all Montreal Canadiens games until March 28 have been postponed. The decision comes after they postponed the game against the Edmonton Oilers on Monday due to two Montreal players being added to the protocol list.
The @CanadiensMTL’s games have been postponed through Sunday, March 28. https://t.co/zerM5CgqBf pic.twitter.com/rkH8qw83RN
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 23, 2021
Canadiens’ Games Postponed Until Sunday Due To COVID Protocols
This is the first time the NHL has had to postpone games in the North Division. After having multiple issues, especially with the East Division, now the problem seems to have arrived in the Canadian part of the league.
They did have a couple of scares with the Vancouver Canucks before the season started. However, this is the first time since opening night that two North Division players were added to the list. This entire situation has led not only to postponements but Montreal’s facilities were also closed. They’re expected to re-open on Monday.
So far, the other two games against the Oilers and the Sunday game against the Ottawa Senators are postponed. No word has been said about their Tuesday game against Ottawa but the team is waiting on more test results. It won’t come as a surprise if another statement regarding this game comes soon.
The two players who are currently on the list are forwards Joel Armia and Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Armia has five goals and five assists for 10 points in 24 games. Kotkaniemi has four goals and 11 assists for 15 points in 31 games. Both have helped Montreal to sit in the fourth position in the North Division with a 14-8-9 record.
What Comes Next
In the past four days, the league has announced the postponement of six games due to COVID Protocols. Even if these are the first ones in the North, they have been dealing with COVID-related problems since the season started.
After the huge COVID outbreak that happened in February, they were quick to readjust the protocols and add more preventive measures to try and keep the players and staff safe. It has become clear that new adjustments are needed once again. However, they have yet to announce more changes in their protocols. With all games this week involving the Montreal Canadiens postponed, the NHL should consider a reevaluation.
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